At COTA SA, we continue to hear the mounting financial pressures being experienced by people aged 50+. Our ‘pulse check’ survey continues to highlight ‘cost-of-living’ as the top concern amongst older South Australians.
In partnership with Wyatt Trust, The Plug-in facilitated engagement in 2025 to co-design a Cost-of living Navigation Program alongside people aged 50+ with lived experience of cost-of-living challenges.
We heard from metropolitan and regional South Australians about the challenges of finding information and supports, the compounding factors that add additional pressure, and the increased social isolation that occurs as cost pressures begin increasing.
Read more about the outcomes of this project in our latest news article.
Why should I get involved?
Your participation in this project provides an opportunity to share real-life experience of what it is like to live with financial pressure as someone aged over 50 years old.
Many people have been facing some challenging times recently and we do not want to add a burden for you in participating in this project. However, if you feel comfortable to share your experiences, this is an opportunity to help shape a program that can help people just like you as they navigate financial challenges.
Your involvement will help us to understand the realities of cost-pressures being experienced right now for older people. You will help shape what the program should look like to ensure it meets the needs of older people experiencing financial hardship.
How to get involved – metropolitan Adelaide
Workshops and interviews were held in metropolitan Adelaide throughout May 2025. Thank you to everyone who registered their interest, and to those who participated and shared their experiences with us.
How to get involved – regional / remote South Australia
The Plug-in facilitated engagement activities to hear from people aged 50+, living in regional or remote locations in South Australia throughout August and early September 2025. This engagement helped us understand the additional cost-of-living pressures being experienced in regional areas of South Australia.
Read the outcomes of this research and the co-designed Cost-of-living Navigation Program.
The Plug-in Insights: Cost-of-living Navigation Program and Lived Experience Report
COTA SA has been actively advocating and seeking funding for this program which aims to:
- Centralise information sources to help connect community to concessions and entitlements
- Provide 1:1 navigation support for people who are struggling to navigate systems and apply for supports
- Increase community awareness through community-led peer education
COTA SA will continue to speak with Ministers, government departments, and other partner organisation’s to establish the Cost-of-living Navigation Program and better connect and support people aged 50+ experiencing challenges in this space.
Sharing and hearing experiences of financial struggle can bring up emotions and experiences that are challenging to hear. Participation is this project is voluntary and you can dictate your level of participation or opt out at any time. The Plug-in is committed to providing safe spaces for participation and anonymity in any reporting. Personal information is not used or shared without express consent — you can read our privacy policy on the COTA SA website (privacy statement).
If you are experiencing financial difficulties, free information and advice can be accessed through the National Debt Helpline 1800 007 007 or www.ndh.org.au.
There are also support services accessible through Department of Human Services, visit Financial hardship | DHS, or contact via phone:
- National Debt Helpline on1800 007 007
- Affordable SA Helpline on1800 025 539
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can call the free Mob Strong Debt Helpline on 1800 808 488
The information you share with us helps COTA SA and The Plug-in to understand what is important to older people. Through your participation and contribution, you are raising the voices of older people and supporting the important work of COTA SA.
Contact us
You can contact The Plug-in anytime to learn more about about this project and other opportunities:
08 8224 5526
email to: connect@theplugin.com.au
https://www.facebook.com/ThePluginAus
